Deignan named Americhem's new president

By: Frank Esposito

January 7, 2014

Americhem Inc. has grown its executive ranks with the hiring of John Deignan as president of the firm.

Deignan, 46, was hired in November by Americhem, a color and additive concentrate maker in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He had spent the previous 21 years in a variety of leadership roles at Diebold Inc., a maker of banking and security systems in nearby North Canton, Ohio.

As president, Deignan will lead the day-to-day operations of the company and foster Americhem's strategic relationships with customers, CEO Rick Juve said in a Jan. 7 news release.

Deignan's background and strengths in a variety of commercial roles "will serve as a solid foundation to assist Americhem in achieving its plans for global growth," Juve added.

In his new role, Deignan replaces Dorian Alexandrescu, who left Americhem in the second half of 2012.

Americhem ranks as one of North America's 30 largest compounders and concentrate makers, according to a Plastics News estimate. The privately held firm does not disclose sales figures, but market watchers estimate that its annual sales are more than $150 million.

In late 2012, Americhem acquired engineering resins compounder Infinity Compounding LLC, after opening a new plant in Liberty, N.C., earlier that same year. The firm employs 500 worldwide at sites in the U.S., England and China.